Assessment of Vietnam Airlines' Short Haul Business Class Experience
On a chilly December evening of 2024, travellers embarked on a Business Class journey between Singapore Changi and Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat airports aboard Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A321. The round-trip package for this route cost approximately SGD 727.
As the aircraft, VN-A601, a 12-year-old A321-200 delivered in 2013, prepared for takeoff, passengers were offered a traditional pre-flight drink, setting the tone for a pleasant journey.
The Business Class cabin, equipped with a 2-2 seat layout and accommodating 16 passengers, offered ample space and comfort. Each seat boasted a 45-inch seat pitch, approximately 10 inches of recline, and extendable foot and leg rests, ensuring a relaxing flight.
However, amenity kits were not offered on the flight due to its short duration. Yet, the tidy, clean, and minimalistic lavatory provided a refreshing respite whenever needed.
As the aircraft passed 10,000 feet, a meal service commenced. The Oriental Fish selection was served, which included a casserole of fried rice with peas and carrots, a seafood medley of fish and prawns, tender eggplant, and a thick, savory sauce. The meal tray also included a fresh garden salad, a fruit bowl for dessert, a selection of breads with butter and jam, and various beverage options. Coffee and tea were offered during the flight as well.
Business Class passengers had access to a separate lavatory on the VN A321, ensuring privacy and convenience.
The highlight of the flight was the exceptional hospitality provided by the crew, with Minh Chau being particularly noteworthy. Each passenger was also given a warm blanket to combat the cool air at cruising altitude.
Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A321 aircraft are equipped with a wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) system instead of traditional seatback screens. Passengers, including those in Business Class, access the entertainment by scanning a QR code at their seat to stream content on their personal devices. This system, branded as "Scan & Play," allows travelers to immerse themselves in a variety of media using their own smartphones, tablets, or laptops[1][3][5].
For the A321neo introduced recently to Vietnam Airlines' fleet, the cabin offers 8 Business Class seats with slim, comfortable designs providing more personal space. The IFE experience here also relies on this wireless streaming model without individual embedded screens[5].
The flight from Saigon to Singapore on Vietnam Airlines' A321 aircraft (VN651) was a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all who boarded, offering a taste of Vietnam Airlines' commitment to providing a high-quality travel experience.
After the pleasant journey commenced, passengers found solace in reading sports news on their personal devices through the airline's "Scan & Play" in-flight entertainment system. Meanwhile, some travelers paused to appreciate the airline news, discussing potential home-and-garden renovation ideas picked up from lifestyle magazines they had brought along for the flight.
